Summer brings sunshine and adventure, but also its own set of minor ailments. This guide, inspired by Hezbalist’s Summer First Aid Kit, offers natural, plant-based remedies for common seasonal issues, from bug bites to sunburns.
1. Tick Bites
Take echinacea tea or tincture three times daily for 2-3 days after being bitten. Drink calendula tea for its antiseptic properties to help prevent infection.
2. Bug Bites
Make a poultice with crushed plantain leaves and apply it directly to the bite. Apply lavender essential oil to soothe inflammation and itching. For multiple bites, bathe in apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and peppermint tea to soothe the skin.
3. Poison Ivy
Use jewelweed to make a tea; you can bathe in it or apply it to the affected area. Liberally apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the rash to dry it out and relieve itching.
4. Sunburns
Mix pure aloe vera gel with a few drops of lavender oil and apply it to soothe the skin. For a full-body burn, take a bath with brewed green or black tea, as the tannins help cool the burn.
5. Heat Poisoning
Make a refreshing tea with hibiscus and peppermint to help cool the body’s inner temperature. Rehydrate effectively by drinking water with a pinch of high-quality sea or pink Himalayan salt.
6. Cuts and Scrapes
Use a calendula compress or salve to help clean and heal wounds. For bleeding cuts, apply a yarrow poultice or compress to help staunch the flow of blood.
7. Bruises
Make a poultice with a plantain leaf and place it over the bruise. Use homeopathic arnica tablets to reduce swelling and discoloration and promote faster healing.
8. Rashes
Use cooled chamomile tea or a diluted solution of chamomile essential oil to relieve skin irritation. Topically applied chickweed can also help soothe itchiness and inflammation.
9. Ear Infections
Use herbal ear drops containing mullein and garlic to relieve pain and fight infection. Apply a warm compress over the affected ear to ease discomfort.
10. Summer Colds
Take elderberry syrup regularly as a preventative measure. At the first sign of a cold, take echinacea at least three times a day to help fight off the virus.